What's the process of awarding the Stanley Cup, and what traditions surround the championship series?

The process of awarding the Stanley Cup is a time-honored tradition in ice hockey and one of the most cherished moments in the sport. Here's an overview of the process and the traditions surrounding the championship series:

NHL Playoffs: The journey to win the Stanley Cup begins with the NHL playoffs. At the end of the regular season, the top teams from each conference qualify for the playoffs, competing in a series of elimination rounds.

Conference Finals: The playoff format narrows down the remaining teams to two finalists, one from the Eastern Conference and one from the Western Conference. These two teams face off in the Stanley Cup Finals.

Best-of-Seven Series: The Stanley Cup Finals are played in a best-of-seven series, with the team winning four games first being declared the winner.

Presentation of the Stanley Cup: After the winning team secures their fourth victory in the Finals, the Stanley Cup is presented. The presentation typically takes place on the ice immediately after the decisive game.

Commissioner's Trophy: Before the Stanley Cup is awarded, the NHL Commissioner presents the Commissioner's Trophy to the team's captain. This trophy is a separate award and honors the team's performance throughout the playoffs.

Handshake Tradition: One of the most cherished traditions in ice hockey is the handshake line. After the Stanley Cup Finals, players from both teams form a line and shake hands with their opponents as a show of respect and sportsmanship.

Carrying the Cup: The team's captain is the first to hoist the Stanley Cup, raising it above their head in a triumphant gesture. The rest of the team takes turns lifting the Cup, each getting their moment to celebrate the victory.

Victory Parade: The winning team returns to their home city for a victory parade, where they display the Stanley Cup to thousands of enthusiastic fans.

Cup Keeper: Each player on the championship team gets a designated period with the Cup during the offseason. Players often use this time to take the Cup to their hometowns or share it with family and friends.

Engraving: The names of the players, coaches, and other team personnel are engraved on the Stanley Cup. Each member of the winning team has their name immortalized on the trophy, creating a lasting legacy.,

In conclusion, the process of awarding the Stanley Cup involves intense playoff competition, culminating in the Stanley Cup Finals. The presentation of the Cup is a moment of celebration, followed by the time-honored traditions of the handshake line, victory parade, and engraving of names on the trophy. Winning the Stanley Cup is a cherished achievement for players, coaches, and fans, and the traditions surrounding the championship series add to the prestige and history of this iconic trophy.

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